Aston Villa: £26m signing could end the window with a bang

The Villans could bring one more player in before the deadline passes this evening.

Abde and Deco meet to define the future of the Moroccan at Barça

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their transfer plans as they attempt to seal a last-gasp deal before the

summer transfer window slams shut…

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

According to Real Betis reporter Pepe Elias, Monchi has been in late talks with Barcelona over a deal to sign Morocco

international Ez Abde before the deadline passes.

The journalist has claimed that Unai Emery is also trying to convince the player to accept a move to Villa Park, after

his proposed move to Real Betis broke down.

This comes after Mundo Deportivo recently reported that the Villans and Bayer Leverkusen were both keen on the

attacker and that the Spanish giants want a fee within the region of €30m (£26m) for the talented youngster.

Aston Villa have already bolstered their squad with some superb additions that have helped them to enjoy a strong

start to the season and they could now end the window with a bang by signing Abde as he is a player with huge potential.

Barça confirms Abde's absence for a month for the Africa Cup

Emery has brought in Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo, Clement Lenglet, Youri Tielemans, and Pau Torres so far and

some of them have helped the team to win four of their first five competitive games of the campaign.

Abde could now supplement that by arriving as a player who would not have the expectation to make an immediate

impact, as a 21-year-old prospect, but one who could be a star for the club further down the line.

U23 scout Antonio Mango once hailed him as a “majestic” creator who is “unpredictable” at the top end of the pitch

and he showcased his ability to open up the opposition’s defence on a regular basis during his time in Barcelona’s B team.

Abde racked up seven assists, alongside three goals, in 21 appearances for the club’s reserve side, which shows that

he has the potential to consistently set up his teammates for chances in front of goal.

Jacob Ramsey (seven) was the only Villa player, in any position, who managed more than six Premier League assists

for the club last season, and Abde could, therefore, be an excellent creative threat for Emery if he is able to translate

that form over to the English top-flight.

Aston Villa accelerate talks to sign classy playmaker after disastrous double blow for Unai Emery

The Barcelona magician also showcased his quality at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations for Morocco over the summer

with an outstanding three goals and three assists in just four appearances at the tournament.

Abde spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Osasuna in LaLiga and produced four goals and two assists in 19

starts for the Spanish side, which shows that there is still work to be done with him before the exciting gem is able to

deliver the attacking consistency that he displayed for club and country at youth level.